Under whirring ceiling fans in hot, crowded bars, an edgier form of entertainment is emerging in China that reflects greater cultural freedom: stand-up comedy.

The jokes told in these settings depart sharply from the routines of traditional entertainers who work in pairs and tell age-old stories. This small, new breed of comedians face the microphone alone in live settings that are more conducive to personal storytelling about topics that resonate with modern audiences, such as relationships, jobs, parents and children.

They often touch on the frustrations of younger people, who can't buy property in Beijing, find a spouse or endure long working hours.